Apple might be facing an EU antitrust probe

[kaas]

from:
http://www.rethink-wireless.com/2010...rust-rules.htm



"[...] Kroes specifically named Apple's App Store as an example of a closed environment.
The comments come against the background of a massive EU initiative called the Digital Agenda, which among many items aims to redefine the ways in which companies can fall foul of antitrust rules. When considering abuse of a market position, the Agenda wants to change the standard from 'dominant' to 'significant' place in a sector. The document states: "Since not all pervasive technologies are based on standards the benefits of interoperability risk being lost in such areas. The Commission will examine the feasibility of measures that could lead significant market players to license interoperability information while at the same time promoting innovation and competition."

Kroes explained: "We need to make sure that significant market players cannot just choose to deny interoperability with their product. This is particularly important in cases where standards don't exist... This is not just about Microsoft or any big company like Apple, IBM or Intel. The main challenge is that consumers need choice when it comes to software or hardware products." Under these rules, Apple could face investigation into its barring of third party development suites, such as Adobe Flash, an issue already reportedly being examined by the US Fair Trade Commission.

Some analysts believe that Apple could be forced to allow developers to write apps without using Xcode or going through the vendor's approval process. [...]"


In my opinion, it is about time!

Cheers,

kaas

[rhadin]

I agree it's about time. Maybe it will be the start of multiple investigations into multiple vendors with closed systems.

BTW, kaas, love your photo. Seems to be a younger version of mine

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by kaas

Some analysts believe that Apple could be forced to allow developers to write apps without using Xcode or going through the vendor's approval process. [...]"


In my opinion, it is about time!

I must respectfully disagree - I think that would be an extremely bad thing. When you buy an App from the App Store you know it's "safe" - that it doesn't contain malware, and that it will at least do vaguely what it claims to. In another thread, someone recently compared that to the "open" Android store, where you can have no trust that an App is what it claims to be, and where most apps appear to be unfinished.

The App Store is one of the real strengths of Apple, and a real benefit for the consumer, in my view.

[Moejoe]

Originally Posted by HarryT

I must respectfully disagree - I think that would be an extremely bad thing. When you buy an App from the App Store you know it's "safe" - that it doesn't contain malware, and that it will at least do vaguely what it claims to. In another thread, someone recently compared that to the "open" Android store, where you can have no trust that an App is what it claims to be, and where most apps appear to be unfinished.

The App Store is one of the real strengths of Apple, and a real benefit for the consumer, in my view.

After the events of the last few days, I would not call anything within Apple's closed ecosystem 'safe'.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by Moejoe

After the events of the last few days, I would not call anything within Apple's closed ecosystem 'safe'.

I think personally it's entirely too early to tell that. We really don't know what - if anything - has gone wrong. Could well be no more than people having insecure passwords, and that could apply equally to any on-line store.

[kaas]

Harry,

while I do agree with you that the App Store is a good thing in itself because of its safety and ease of use, Apple could allow an independant "Indie Store" where you would install apps at your own risk and loose your "warranty for a proper functioning os and software (mind you, not hardware!)"- that means if you brick your phone, you have to fix it yourself or pay Apple to fix it for you. Manage access to the "Indie Store" via parental controls, and your kids should be safe (or as safe as they will be untill they jailbreak the phone). Add a legal disclaimer and most people would not buy from the other store, except for those who really want to.
If you are using a mac or pc at home, you will know about freedom of choice and personal responsibility as you can install any program you wish- including malware...

cheers,

kaas

p.s.:@rhadin --> she is 9 years old and still sweet as a puppy

[netseeker]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Could well be no more than people having insecure passwords, and that could apply equally to any on-line store.

Even if it would be the case: Every good & secure online-store will prevent it's customers from using weak passwords.

[Moejoe]

Originally Posted by HarryT

I think personally it's entirely too early to tell that. We really don't know what - if anything - has gone wrong. Could well be no more than people having insecure passwords, and that could apply equally to any on-line store.

There are rumours floating about that it wasn't passwords that were comprimised, weak or otherwise, but some kind of hack on the store itself.

[kaas]

Honestly, I do belive that at some point people have to take responsibility for themselves. If they want to use insecure passwords, that is their choice and they should bear the consequence. I very strongly belive in common sense!


cheers,

kaas

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by Moejoe

There are rumours floating about that it wasn't passwords that were comprimised, weak or otherwise, but some kind of hack on the store itself.

I've read all sorts of things, ranging from "the whole thing is a figment of someone's imagination" through to "Apple's security system has been totally hacked". I'm sure that reality will prove to lie somewhere in between, which is why personally I'd prefer to wait and learn the facts before assigning blame. But that's just me . In the mean time, I have taken the precaution of removing my credit card from the App store account.

[tompe]

Originally Posted by HarryT

I must respectfully disagree - I think that would be an extremely bad thing. When you buy an App from the App Store you know it's "safe" - that it doesn't contain malware,

How can you now that? I do now see how it is easier to detect malware for an Apple app as for any other app (Android or Maemo or ...).

[rhadin]

Originally Posted by kaas

p.s.:@rhadin --> she is 9 years old and still sweet as a puppy

Ours is soon to be 11 years old and also sweet as a puppy. Sadly, we had to euthanize our 15-year-old cocker, who was also a sweetheart, a few weeks ago.

[murraypaul]

Originally Posted by netseeker

Even if it would be the case: Every good & secure online-store will prevent it's customers from using weak passwords.

So which do?

[murraypaul]

Originally Posted by Moejoe

There are rumours floating about that it wasn't passwords that were comprimised, weak or otherwise, but some kind of hack on the store itself.

There are lots of rumours floating around, but no reason to believe any of them.

[murraypaul]

Originally Posted by tompe

How can you now that? I do now see how it is easier to detect malware for an Apple app as for any other app (Android or Maemo or ...).

Apple vet each app because it is allowed into the App store.
This is also viewed as a disadvantage, as it slows down app updates and means Apple can easily block apps they don't want, for changeable reasons.